Simone Inzaghi and Sergio Conceicao won the Scudetto with Lazio under the baton of Sven Goran Eriksson. Later in time, Inzaghi came to Inter as a coach and Conceicao wore the Nerazzurri jersey as a player (the Portuguese was part of the generation that was remembered for that famous May 5, 2002 when Lazio snatched the Serie A title in front of Nerazzurri’s nose).Tonight, the two meet in opposite dugouts. There were even rumours of Inzaghi getting sacked in the first part of the ongoing season, but the Italian managed to get a grip of his squad. While Inzaghi struggled, football media channels kept mentioning Conceicao as a possible successor at the Inter Milan bench. Yesterday, the Portuguese emphasized that Inter never contacted him with the proposal to become the head of the coaching staff.The 12 years-pressure haunting Guardiola, De Bruyne-less City defend the honor of the English in the Champions LeagueNow, let’s focus on the tonight’s clash. This is Inter’s first meeting with Porto since they played four times in 2005 (Inter: W2, D1, L1) including a 4-2 aggregate win for the Italians at this stage in the 2004/05 season.They might be 15 points behind leaders Napoli in their domestic championship but Inter will begin their latest attempt to progress beyond the Champions League last 16 for the first time since 2010/11 in good form, after a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions (W4, D1). Inter improved their defensive parameters quite a bit. In the last 11 games, the Nerazzurri kept their net unshook six times. Inter did not concede a goal in seven duels in 21 games of the current season (Serie A and Champions League). So, almost the same number of steady netting in twice as many matches.Are there any dragon slayers in Italy?A few hours before the match with Porto, it is still an open question who, along with Lautaro Martinez, will complete the Nerazzurri’s attack and formation. All other doubts were resolved in the last 24 hours. Accerbi will command the defense, Calhanoglu will be the metronome, and Darmian will be the right winger while De Vrij, Brozovic and Dumfries will wait for a chance on the bench.Porto concede a goal, on average, almost every other game. Pepe turns 40 next week, but still commands an authoritarian Porto defense. Many agree that the choice of Inzaghi between Lukaku and Dzeko, as well as the performance of Lautaro Martinez and the way the coach of Inter plans to attack the Portuguese, will be decisive for the outcome of the match.Inter vs PortoInter looking to qualify for the quarterfinals for the first time since 2010/11 season. Porto seeking a third quarterfinal appearance in 5 seasons.Inter have never lost at home to Portuguese opposition but I have a feeling this won’t be straightforward pic.twitter.com/N3boR5sVeh— Olons (@_olons) February 22, 2023 Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni have to be very careful tonight. A possible yellow card for both means they will not travel to the second leg in Porto.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUERound of 16 – first legTuesdayLiverpool – Real Madrid 2-5 (2-2)/Nunez 4, Salah 14 – Vinicius 21, 36, Militao 48, Benzema 55, 67/Eintr.Frankfurt – Napoli 0-2 (0-1)/Osimhen 40, Di Lorenzo 65/Wednesday23.00: (5.00) RB Leipzig (3.70) Man.City (1.80)23.00: (1.80) Inter (3.60) Porto (5.20)***odds are subject to change
